Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method performed by a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), the method comprising: receiving a manifest file comprising a description of a plurality of segments of media content, wherein each segment represents a time-based portion of the media content, and wherein the manifest file indicates a bitrate and an absolute quality level for each of the plurality of segments; selecting a segment of the plurality of segments based on the bitrate and the absolute quality level associated with the segment of the media content; sending a request for the segment of the media content; and receiving the requested segment of the media content.
This invention relates to adaptive streaming of media content in wireless communication systems. The problem addressed is efficiently delivering media content to wireless devices while optimizing quality and bandwidth usage. The solution involves a method for a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) to dynamically select and request media segments based on both bitrate and absolute quality level. The method begins by receiving a manifest file that describes multiple segments of media content, where each segment corresponds to a time-based portion of the media. The manifest file includes metadata specifying the bitrate and an absolute quality level for each segment. The WTRU then selects a specific segment from the available options by evaluating the bitrate and quality level associated with each segment. After selection, the WTRU sends a request for the chosen segment and subsequently receives the requested media content. This approach allows the WTRU to adaptively choose segments that balance quality and bandwidth constraints, improving the streaming experience under varying network conditions. The use of absolute quality levels ensures consistent media quality across different segments, while bitrate considerations help optimize data transmission efficiency. The method is particularly useful in wireless environments where network conditions may fluctuate, requiring dynamic adjustments to media delivery.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the absolute quality level comprises at least one of peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity (SSIM), video quality metric (VQM), visual information fidelity (VIF), J.341, or mean opinion score (MOS).
This invention relates to video quality assessment, specifically methods for evaluating and quantifying the quality of video content. The problem addressed is the need for objective, measurable metrics to assess video quality in applications such as streaming, broadcasting, and video compression. Traditional subjective methods, like mean opinion score (MOS), are time-consuming and inconsistent, while automated metrics must accurately reflect perceived quality. The invention describes a method for determining an absolute quality level of a video, using at least one of several standardized quality metrics. These include peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), which measures the ratio between the maximum possible power of a signal and the power of corrupting noise; structural similarity (SSIM), which assesses perceptual similarity by comparing luminance, contrast, and structure; video quality metric (VQM), a perceptual model-based metric; visual information fidelity (VIF), which evaluates information loss; J.341, a standardized video quality metric; and mean opinion score (MOS), derived from human evaluations. The method allows for flexible selection of one or more of these metrics to assess video quality objectively, enabling automated quality control in video processing systems. This approach ensures consistency and reliability in video quality assessment across different applications.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the manifest file comprises a media presentation description (MPD) file.
A system and method for managing media content delivery involves generating and utilizing a manifest file to control the distribution of media segments to client devices. The manifest file contains metadata that describes the available media content, including segment locations, encoding formats, and adaptive streaming options. This allows client devices to dynamically request and assemble media segments based on network conditions and device capabilities, enabling adaptive bitrate streaming. The manifest file may be implemented as a Media Presentation Description (MPD) file, which is a standardized format used in adaptive streaming protocols like Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH). The MPD file includes information such as segment timelines, representation quality levels, and content protection schemes, enabling seamless playback across different devices and network environments. By dynamically updating the MPD file, the system can support live streaming, content updates, and personalized media delivery. The method ensures efficient media delivery by allowing clients to select the most appropriate segments based on real-time conditions, reducing buffering and improving playback quality. The use of an MPD file standardizes the metadata structure, facilitating interoperability between different streaming platforms and devices. This approach is particularly useful for delivering high-quality video and audio content over variable network conditions, such as in over-the-top (OTT) streaming services.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the manifest file further comprises a description of a plurality of representations of the media content, and wherein each representation comprises at least one segment of the media content.
This invention relates to adaptive streaming of media content, addressing the challenge of efficiently delivering media over varying network conditions. The system generates a manifest file that includes metadata describing multiple representations of the same media content, where each representation is encoded at different bitrates or resolutions to accommodate different network speeds and device capabilities. Each representation is divided into segments, allowing a client device to dynamically switch between representations during playback based on real-time network conditions. The manifest file serves as a guide, listing available representations and their corresponding segments, enabling seamless adaptation without interrupting playback. This approach ensures optimal quality and reliability by matching the media delivery to the current network performance and device constraints. The invention improves user experience by reducing buffering and maintaining high-quality streaming even under fluctuating network conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the media stream by selecting the most suitable representation and segment, ensuring continuous and adaptive playback.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the manifest file specifies the same time interval of the media content for each segment of the plurality of segments.
A method for managing media content distribution involves generating a manifest file that defines segments of media content for streaming. The manifest file specifies a consistent time interval for each segment, ensuring uniform duration across all segments. This approach improves streaming efficiency by allowing predictable buffering and playback, reducing latency and enhancing user experience. The method may include encoding the media content into multiple segments, each corresponding to a fixed time interval, and generating metadata that describes the segments, their locations, and their timing information. The manifest file is then used by a client device to request and assemble the segments in sequence, enabling smooth playback. This technique is particularly useful in adaptive streaming systems where network conditions may vary, as the uniform segment duration simplifies adaptation logic. The method may also include dynamically updating the manifest file to reflect changes in available segments or content variations, ensuring real-time synchronization between the server and client. By standardizing segment duration, the method optimizes resource allocation and minimizes disruptions during playback.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the segment is selected based on the segment having a lowest bitrate of the plurality of segments that have at least a threshold absolute quality level and that are defined by the manifest file to have the same time interval of the media content.
This invention relates to adaptive bitrate streaming systems, specifically optimizing segment selection for media playback. The problem addressed is efficiently choosing the best segment from multiple available versions of the same media content to balance quality and bandwidth usage. In adaptive streaming, media content is divided into segments with varying bitrates and quality levels, described in a manifest file. The challenge is selecting the optimal segment when multiple options meet minimum quality requirements but differ in bitrate and time intervals. The method improves segment selection by prioritizing the lowest bitrate segment among those that meet a threshold absolute quality level and share the same time interval as defined in the manifest file. This ensures the selected segment maintains sufficient quality while minimizing bandwidth consumption, which is critical for stable playback in varying network conditions. The approach avoids unnecessary high-bitrate segments when lower-bitrate alternatives meet quality standards, conserving network resources and reducing buffering. The manifest file's role is to provide metadata about available segments, including their bitrates, quality levels, and time intervals, enabling the selection process. This method is particularly useful in adaptive streaming protocols like DASH or HLS, where dynamic segment selection is essential for smooth playback.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the manifest file comprises a segment index file.
A system and method for managing and accessing digital content involves generating and utilizing a manifest file to organize and retrieve segments of data. The manifest file includes metadata and references to individual segments, enabling efficient storage, transmission, and playback of content. The manifest file may also contain a segment index file, which provides a structured listing of the segments, their locations, and associated attributes such as timestamps, sizes, or encryption keys. This index allows for quick lookup and retrieval of specific segments, improving performance in applications like streaming media, distributed storage, or data backup systems. The manifest file can be dynamically updated to reflect changes in the content, ensuring consistency and accuracy. The system may also include mechanisms for validating the integrity of the segments and the manifest file itself, ensuring reliable access to the data. This approach enhances scalability, reduces latency, and supports efficient content distribution across networks.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the segment index file comprises at least one of an MP4 file or an M4S file.
This invention relates to digital video streaming and addresses the problem of efficient video segment management. The method involves a system for delivering video content. A key component is a segment index file. This file is used to organize and locate individual segments of a video stream. The segment index file can be structured in at least one of two formats: an MP4 file or an M4S file. These file formats are designed to store and manage multimedia data, including video segments. By utilizing these standard formats for the segment index, the system can efficiently track and retrieve the necessary video segments for playback, enabling smooth and uninterrupted streaming to a user. The specific implementation details of how the MP4 or M4S file is structured to serve as a segment index are part of the invention's functionality.
9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the segment index file comprises an ISOBMFF-based file container comprising at least one box, and wherein a segment quality parameter is included within the at least one box of the ISOBMFF-based file container.
This invention relates to digital media streaming and file formatting, specifically addressing the need for efficient storage and transmission of segmented media content. The method involves organizing media data into segments and creating a segment index file to manage these segments. The segment index file is structured as an ISO Base Media File Format (ISOBMFF)-based container, which includes at least one box (a structured data unit in ISOBMFF). A segment quality parameter is embedded within this box to indicate the quality level of the associated media segment. This parameter allows for adaptive streaming, where the quality of media segments can be adjusted based on network conditions or device capabilities. The ISOBMFF-based container ensures compatibility with existing media processing systems while providing flexibility in managing segmented media content. The inclusion of the segment quality parameter within the box structure enables dynamic quality adaptation without requiring additional metadata files, improving efficiency in media delivery systems. This approach is particularly useful in adaptive bitrate streaming, where media segments of varying quality levels are transmitted to optimize playback performance.
10. The method of claim 1 , comprising: receiving a presence of the absolute quality level via a flag in the manifest file.
A system and method for managing media content quality levels involves dynamically adjusting the quality of media streams based on network conditions or user preferences. The system receives a manifest file containing metadata about available media streams, including different quality levels. A flag within the manifest file indicates the presence of an absolute quality level, which is a predefined, fixed quality setting that overrides dynamic adjustments. This ensures consistent playback quality regardless of network conditions or adaptive bitrate algorithms. The system processes the manifest file to detect the flag and applies the absolute quality level when specified, ensuring reliable media delivery in scenarios where stability is prioritized over adaptability. The method may also include validating the flag, interpreting its value, and enforcing the absolute quality level during media playback. This approach is useful in environments where predictable quality is critical, such as live broadcasts or high-stakes streaming applications.
11. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) comprising: a processor configured to: receive a manifest file comprising a description of a plurality of segments of media content, wherein each segment represents a time-based portion of the media content, and wherein the manifest file indicates a bitrate and an absolute quality level for each of the plurality of segments; select a segment of the plurality of segments based on the bitrate and the absolute quality level associated with the segment of the media content; send a request for the segment of the media content; and receive the requested segment of the media content.
This invention relates to adaptive streaming of media content in wireless communication systems. The problem addressed is efficiently delivering media content to wireless devices while optimizing quality and bandwidth usage. The solution involves a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) that dynamically selects media segments based on both bitrate and absolute quality metrics. The WTRU includes a processor that receives a manifest file describing multiple segments of media content, where each segment corresponds to a time-based portion of the media. The manifest file specifies the bitrate and absolute quality level for each segment. The processor evaluates these parameters to select an optimal segment for transmission. After selection, the WTRU sends a request for the chosen segment and receives the requested content. This approach allows the WTRU to balance quality and bandwidth by considering both bitrate and quality metrics, enabling adaptive streaming that adjusts to network conditions and device capabilities. The system ensures efficient media delivery while maintaining a consistent viewing experience. The invention is particularly useful in wireless environments where network conditions may vary, requiring dynamic adaptation to optimize performance.
12. The WTRU of claim 11 , wherein the absolute quality level comprises at least one of peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity (SSIM), video quality metric (VQM), visual information fidelity (VIF), J.341, or mean opinion score (MOS).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving video quality assessment in wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs). The problem addressed is the need for accurate, objective measurement of video quality in real-time wireless transmission, where factors like network conditions and compression artifacts degrade visual fidelity. The solution involves a WTRU configured to evaluate video quality using absolute quality levels, which are quantitative metrics that objectively assess perceptual video quality. These metrics include peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity (SSIM), video quality metric (VQM), visual information fidelity (VIF), J.341, and mean opinion score (MOS). Each metric provides a different perspective on video quality: PSNR measures signal distortion, SSIM compares structural similarity between original and processed video, VQM evaluates perceptual quality, VIF assesses information loss, J.341 is a standardized video quality metric, and MOS reflects subjective human perception. The WTRU uses these metrics to assess video quality in real-time, enabling adaptive adjustments to transmission parameters or compression settings to maintain optimal video quality under varying network conditions. This approach ensures that video content is delivered with the highest possible fidelity, improving user experience in wireless communication systems.
13. The WTRU of claim 11 , wherein the manifest file comprises a media presentation description (MPD) file.
A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) is configured to process media content, particularly in systems where media is delivered over networks with varying bandwidth conditions. The WTRU includes a processor that generates a manifest file, which serves as a metadata descriptor for media content. This manifest file contains information about available media segments, their encoding formats, and quality levels, enabling adaptive streaming. The manifest file is structured as a Media Presentation Description (MPD) file, a standardized format used in dynamic adaptive streaming over HTTP (DASH). The MPD file allows the WTRU to select and request appropriate media segments based on current network conditions, ensuring smooth playback without interruptions. The processor dynamically updates the MPD file to reflect changes in available media segments or encoding options, improving flexibility in media delivery. This approach optimizes bandwidth usage and enhances the user experience by adapting to real-time network fluctuations. The WTRU may also include a transmitter for sending requests to a media server and a receiver for obtaining the requested media segments. The system ensures efficient media streaming by leveraging the MPD file to manage media presentation and adaptation.
14. The WTRU of claim 11 , wherein the manifest file further comprises a description of a plurality of representations of the media content, and wherein each representation comprises at least one segment of the media content.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing and delivering media content to wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs). The problem addressed is the efficient and adaptive delivery of media content over wireless networks, where varying network conditions and device capabilities require flexible content representation and segmentation. The invention describes a WTRU configured to receive and process a manifest file containing metadata about media content. The manifest file includes a description of multiple representations of the media content, where each representation is divided into segments. These representations may vary in quality, resolution, or encoding format to accommodate different network conditions or device capabilities. The WTRU uses this information to select and request specific segments of the media content, enabling adaptive streaming. The system ensures seamless playback by dynamically adjusting the requested representation based on real-time network conditions or user preferences. The manifest file may also include additional metadata such as timing information, encryption details, or alternative content options, allowing the WTRU to optimize content delivery and playback. This approach improves efficiency, reduces buffering, and enhances the user experience in wireless media streaming.
15. The WTRU of claim 11 , wherein the manifest file specifies the same time interval of the media content for each segment of the plurality of segments.
A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) is configured to process media content segmented into multiple parts, where each segment corresponds to a specific time interval of the media. The WTRU includes a processor that generates a manifest file containing metadata about the segments, including their time intervals. The manifest file ensures that each segment of the media content is associated with the same time interval, allowing synchronized playback or processing. This approach enables efficient media streaming, synchronization, and playback control, particularly in applications requiring precise timing, such as live broadcasts or adaptive bitrate streaming. The WTRU may also include a transmitter for sending the manifest file to a network or another device, facilitating coordinated media delivery. The system may further include error handling mechanisms to manage discrepancies in segment timing, ensuring smooth playback even under varying network conditions. This invention addresses challenges in media segmentation and synchronization, improving reliability and user experience in streaming applications.
16. The WTRU of claim 11 , wherein the processor is configured to select the segment based on the segment having a lowest bitrate of the plurality of segments that have at least a threshold absolute quality level and that are defined by the manifest file to have the same time interval of the media content.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems and methods for optimizing media streaming in wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs). The problem addressed is the efficient selection of media segments for streaming, balancing quality and bandwidth constraints in dynamic network conditions. The invention involves a WTRU with a processor that selects a media segment from multiple available segments based on specific criteria. The processor identifies segments that meet a minimum quality threshold and have the same time interval as the desired media content. Among these qualifying segments, the processor selects the one with the lowest bitrate. This approach ensures that the WTRU receives media content at an acceptable quality level while minimizing data usage and adapting to varying network conditions. The manifest file, which contains metadata about available media segments, is used to determine segment characteristics such as bitrate, quality, and time intervals. The processor's selection logic dynamically adjusts to changes in network conditions or user preferences, improving streaming efficiency and user experience. The invention is particularly useful in adaptive bitrate streaming systems where media is encoded at multiple bitrates and quality levels to accommodate different network conditions.
17. The WTRU of claim 11 , wherein the manifest file comprises a segment index file.
A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) is configured to process media content, such as video or audio streams, by generating and utilizing a manifest file that includes a segment index file. The segment index file organizes and references individual media segments, allowing efficient retrieval and playback. This approach addresses challenges in streaming media, such as latency and bandwidth constraints, by enabling adaptive bitrate streaming and seamless content delivery. The WTRU dynamically adjusts playback based on network conditions, ensuring smooth user experience. The segment index file may include metadata such as segment locations, durations, and encoding parameters, facilitating efficient content management. This method improves media streaming performance by reducing buffering delays and optimizing resource usage. The WTRU may also support multiple manifest files for different content versions or adaptive streaming scenarios, enhancing flexibility. The invention is particularly useful in mobile and broadband networks where reliable and efficient media delivery is critical.
18. The WTRU of claim 17 , wherein the segment index file comprises at least one of an MP4 file or an M4S file.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) configured to process media segments for efficient transmission and storage. The problem addressed is the need for a standardized and flexible way to manage media segments, particularly in adaptive streaming scenarios, to ensure compatibility and efficient handling across different devices and networks. The WTRU includes a processor that generates or receives a segment index file, which is used to organize and reference media segments. The segment index file can be in the form of an MP4 file or an M4S file, both of which are standardized formats for media segmentation. The MP4 file format is commonly used for container files that store video, audio, and other data, while the M4S file format is specifically designed for segmented media streaming, allowing for dynamic adaptation based on network conditions. The segment index file provides metadata and indexing information that enables the WTRU to efficiently locate, retrieve, and play back media segments in a seamless manner. This approach ensures interoperability and reduces latency in media delivery, particularly in adaptive bitrate streaming applications. The use of standardized file formats also simplifies integration with existing media players and streaming protocols.
19. The WTRU of claim 17 , wherein the segment index file comprises an ISOBMFF-based file container comprising at least one box, and wherein a segment quality parameter is included within the at least one box of the ISOBMFF-based file container.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) that manages media segments for adaptive bitrate streaming. The problem addressed is the need for efficient segment indexing and quality parameter signaling in streaming systems to support dynamic adaptation based on network conditions. The WTRU generates or processes media segments for streaming, where each segment is associated with a segment index file. This file is structured as an ISO Base Media File Format (ISOBMFF)-based container, which includes at least one box (a structured data unit in ISOBMFF). The container contains a segment quality parameter within one of these boxes, enabling the system to assess and adjust the quality of media segments dynamically. This parameter may include metrics like bitrate, resolution, or encoding quality, allowing the WTRU to select or modify segments based on real-time conditions such as bandwidth availability or device capabilities. The ISOBMFF container structure ensures compatibility with existing streaming protocols while providing flexibility for quality parameter inclusion. The WTRU may use this information to request higher or lower quality segments, switch between different representations of the same content, or optimize buffering strategies. This approach improves streaming efficiency and user experience by enabling precise quality control at the segment level.
20. The WTRU of claim 11 , wherein the processor is configured to receive a presence of the absolute quality level via a flag in the manifest file.
A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) is configured to process media content with enhanced quality control. The WTRU includes a processor that determines an absolute quality level for media content, such as video or audio, based on a manifest file. The manifest file contains metadata describing the media content, including quality indicators. The processor receives the absolute quality level from a flag within the manifest file, which explicitly signals the quality level rather than relying on relative or inferred metrics. This allows the WTRU to adapt playback or processing settings to match the specified quality level, ensuring consistent user experience. The WTRU may also adjust buffering, decoding, or rendering parameters based on the received quality level. The manifest file may be part of an adaptive streaming protocol, such as DASH or HLS, where the flag is embedded within the manifest to provide direct quality information. This approach improves efficiency by avoiding unnecessary quality assessments and ensures alignment with the content provider's intended quality standards. The WTRU may further validate the received quality level against available network conditions or device capabilities to optimize playback performance.
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December 29, 2020
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